Best Affordable Chinese Restaurants in New York City | Affordable Chinese Food

30 restaurants in Best Affordable Chinese Restaurants in New York City | Affordable Chinese Food

• Nai Brother Sauerkraut Fish — Chinese · rated 5/5: Steaming cauldrons of golden broth take center stage at this vibrant destination, where the sharp, tangy aroma of fermented greens meets the electrifying hum of Sichuan peppercorns. Silky fillets of tender fish melt into a complex, zesty soup base punctuated by the crunch of pickled cabbage and a fragrant finish of toasted chilies, offering a bold and soul-warming communal feast.
• Chop Sticks — Chinese · rated 5/5: Stepping into Chop Sticks feels like entering a vibrant culinary sanctuary where the rhythmic clatter of woks and the aromatic cloud of ginger and toasted sesame immediately awaken the senses. Guests gather around tables laden with glistening glazed meats and delicate, hand-pleated dumplings that burst with savory broth, each dish a masterclass in the balance of bold heat and subtle sweetness. This lively neighborhood gem captures the soul of Chinese tradition, offering an immersive experience where every shared plate tells a story of heritage and craft.
• J's Kitchen New York — Chinese · rated 5/5: J's Kitchen New York captures the vibrant energy of a modern Japanese grill, where the air is thick with the savory aroma of sizzling Wagyu and golden-fried cutlets. Guests indulge in the buttery richness of the signature melting Hamburg and the satisfying crunch of perfectly breaded pork, each dish plated with the meticulous artistry of a Tokyo eatery. It is a culinary crossroads where hearty comfort meets refined technique, offering a soulful, meat-centric escape in the heart of the city.
• Mala Kitchen — Chinese · rated 5/5: Mala Kitchen invites guests into a sensory whirlwind where the air hums with the fragrance of toasted chilies and the unmistakable, numbing tingle of Sichuan peppercorns. Vibrant, spice-flecked dishes arrive in a parade of bold colors and aromatic steam, offering a masterclass in the balance between searing heat and deep, savory complexity. This is a place where every bite is an exploration of texture and fire, perfect for those seeking a spirited and authentic communal dining experience.
• Plern Thai Restaurant & Noodle Bar — Thai · rated 5/5: The rhythmic sizzle of woks and the intoxicating aroma of toasted chilies fill this vibrant space, where the energy of a bustling Bangkok street market meets modern comfort. Deeply savory broths and bright, citrus-forward stir-frys showcase a masterful balance of heat and herb, offering a soulful journey through Thailand’s rich culinary landscape in every steaming bowl.
• Mrs. An Thai — Thai · rated 5/5: The air hums with the rhythmic clatter of woks and the intoxicating perfume of fresh galangal and Thai basil, drawing guests into a space that feels both bustling and deeply personal. Velvety green curries simmer with a gentle heat that complements the smoky, caramelized depth of wok-seared drunken noodles and the bright, tamarind-laced tang of a perfectly balanced Pad Thai.
• Noodle Lane — Chinese · rated 5/5: Steaming bowls and the rhythmic folding of delicate dough define the vibrant energy at Noodle Lane, an inviting sanctuary for lovers of authentic regional flavors. Guests can dive into the fiery, numbing depths of a bold Sichuan noodle soup or find soul-warming solace in the crystal-clear, slow-simmered elegance of a traditional Cantonese broth.
• Orient Express — Chinese · rated 5/5: Orient Express invites guests on a sophisticated culinary journey where the glamour of vintage travel meets a vibrant, social atmosphere perfect for lingering over shared plates. The air is filled with the aroma of toasted Cajun spices and savory lamb patties, while beautifully curated charcuterie boards and creamy burrata paired with prosciutto offer a masterclass in Mediterranean-inspired indulgence. It is a refined retreat where every bite, from the silky tuna tartare to the crisp flatbreads, feels like a curated stop on a global flavor expedition.
• Tipsy Shanghai — Chinese · rated 5/5: Tipsy Shanghai captures the spirited essence of old-world China, where the sweet, nutty aroma of Shaoxing wine and fragrant osmanthus perfumes the air. Diners delight in the theater of hand-pleated xiaolongbao bursting with savory broth, complemented by a tapestry of traditional cold plates ranging from smoky, crisp carp to tender salted duck. This elegant retreat brings together time-honored Shanghainese techniques and bold, marinated flavors for a dining experience that is both nostalgic and deeply soul-warming.
• Lantern Thai Kitchen — Thai · rated 5/5: Soft light from glowing lanterns casts a warm, golden hue over this intimate space, where the air is perfumed with the bright, aromatic scents of lemongrass, kaffir lime, and toasted chilies. The kitchen masterfully balances the fundamental flavors of Thai cuisine, serving up vibrant curries and wok-seared delicacies that celebrate both the fiery heat of the street market and the refined elegance of traditional home cooking.
• Sam's Fried Ice Cream — Chinese · rated 5/5: This vibrant dessert destination invites guests into a world of delightful contrasts, where the golden sizzle of the fryer meets the velvety chill of premium ice cream. Each hand-crafted sphere shatters to reveal a frozen heart, complemented by an array of decadent drizzles and whimsical toppings that transform a classic treat into a multi-sensory celebration.
• Charm Thai Express — Thai · rated 5/5: The air at Charm Thai Express hums with the rhythmic clatter of woks, where fresh ingredients are tossed in a fragrant dance of aromatic ginger, Thai basil, and toasted cashews. Crispy, golden-fried starters give way to velvety bowls of emerald green and rich Massaman curries, each simmered in creamy coconut milk to create a comforting balance of heat and sweetness. This vibrant spot brings the bold, soul-warming flavors of the East to life, offering a quick yet deeply flavorful escape for the senses.
• Da Long Yi Hot Pot — Chinese · rated 5/5: The air hums with energy and the intoxicating, numbing scent of Sichuan peppercorns as guests gather around bubbling cauldrons of fiery crimson broth. This theatrical, communal experience invites diners to plunge paper-thin slices of marbled beef and crisp greens into a simmering, spice-laden pool, creating a personalized feast that balances intense heat with deep, savory complexity.
• Evalyn's Tap House — American · rated 5/5: Evalyn’s Tap House reimagines the classic social hub by blending the conviviality of a neighborhood pub with the intricate, steaming artistry of a traditional dim sum parlor. Guests gather around communal tables to share everything from salty, blistered shishito peppers and beer-brined brisket sliders to delicate, hand-pleated soup dumplings that burst with savory broth. The atmosphere hums with a relaxed energy, offering a unique sensory journey where the crisp snap of spicy wings meets the tender elegance of shrimp har gow, all perfectly paired with a cold pint.
• Long Island Dumplings — Chinese · rated 5/5: Steaming bamboo baskets arrive at the table filled with translucent crystal shrimp and vibrant, jewel-toned dumplings like the earthy Beets by Jay and the verdant Green Jade. The air hums with energy as diners tear into pillowy steamed buns and shatter the golden, crispy shells of savory spring rolls, creating a modern sanctuary where traditional dim sum is reimagined with a playful, contemporary flair.
• Dun Huang Lanzhou Noodles — Chinese · rated 5/5: The rhythmic sound of hand-pulled noodles hitting the counter sets the tempo at this vibrant destination, where the air carries the intoxicating aroma of star anise and toasted chili oil. Diners dive into steaming bowls of translucent beef broth and share massive platters of tender, spice-rubbed lamb, finding a soulful connection to the Silk Road through every chewy bite and savory, slow-braised morsel.
• E Noodle Cafe — Chinese · rated 5/5: Steaming bowls of hand-pulled noodles and fragrant broths take center stage at this vibrant neighborhood haunt, where the air is thick with the savory scent of slow-simmered stocks and toasted sesame. Diners tuck into generous portions of silky rice noodles and springy egg noodles topped with tender meats, all served in a bright, unfussy space that hums with the comforting energy of a classic urban noodle house.
• Pecking House — Chinese · rated 5/5: Pecking House reimagines the classic fried chicken joint as a vibrant crossroads of Southern comfort and bold Sichuan heat, where the air hums with the aromatic scent of toasted chilies and sizzling poultry. Diners dive into shatteringly crisp chili chicken and spice-dusted wings that pair perfectly with smoky turkey bacon fried rice and the refreshing, charred crunch of wok-fried lettuce. From the fiery kick of handmade wontons to the savory depth of their signature sandwiches, every bite offers a masterclass in texture and a soulful celebration of cross-cultural flavors.
• Grand Tea and Imports — Chinese · rated 5/5: Stepping into this aromatic sanctuary feels like a journey through China’s storied tea regions, where the air is thick with the floral perfume of jasmine and the earthy, grounding depth of aged pu-erh. Shelves are lined with artisanal treasures ranging from delicate, hand-rolled spring green coils to rare, wild-grown white teas harvested from the misty peaks of Taishan. Whether sipping a velvety rose-infused black tea or a bright, citrusy tangerine-aged brew, guests discover a serene space where ancient tradition and heritage craftsmanship are poured into every cup.
• Thai Super — Thai · rated 5/5: Step into a vibrant sanctuary where the air is thick with the fragrance of crushed lemongrass and toasted chilies, transporting diners straight to the bustling heart of a Bangkok night market. The kitchen artfully balances the fundamental flavors of Thai cuisine, serving up aromatic curries and wok-fired noodles that hum with the heat of bird’s eye chilies and the creamy sweetness of fresh coconut milk. Amidst a backdrop of modern decor and warm hospitality, every meal becomes a sensory journey through the bold, soul-warming traditions of Southeast Asia.
• Chow Time — Chinese · rated 5/5: Sunlight streams through the windows of this bustling neighborhood gem, where the air is thick with the tantalizing scent of charred spices and slow-cooked comforts. Diners find sanctuary in the lively, unpretentious atmosphere, tucking into generous, soul-warming plates that turn a simple meal into a spirited celebration of flavor and community.
• East Meets West — Chinese · rated 5/5: Soft lanterns and minimalist decor create a bridge between worlds, where the air is thick with the enticing perfume of toasted spices and fresh herbs. Bold culinary traditions collide on the plate, marrying the fiery depth of Eastern aromatics with the refined, comforting techniques of the West to create a harmonious global symphony. Each bite offers a journey of discovery, inviting diners to linger over inventive pairings that feel both familiar and thrillingly new.
• Golden Way — Chinese · rated 5/5: Golden Way serves as a vibrant neighborhood destination where the rhythmic sizzle of the fryer yields perfectly crisped chicken wings and golden-hued seafood delicacies. The air carries the enticing, smoky sweetness of glazed BBQ rib tips and the savory crunch of hand-rolled appetizers, creating a haven of nostalgic comfort and bold, satisfying flavors.
• Tea Magic — Chinese · rated 5/5: Step into a whimsical sanctuary where the delicate fragrance of jasmine and roasted oolong dances through the air, inviting guests to linger amidst a blend of modern charm and timeless tradition. Artfully brewed infusions meet playful textures, from the gentle pop of fruit-filled boba to the velvety swirl of creamy milk teas, creating a captivating sensory escape in every cup.
• Malaysia Beef Jerky Inc — Chinese · rated 5/5: The air around this bustling storefront is thick with the irresistible scent of caramelized honey and smoky charcoal, drawing passersby into a world of traditional Malaysian street flavors. Sheets of tender, hand-grilled jerky glisten under warm lights, offering a perfect balance of sweet glaze and savory spice that yields to a satisfying, smoky chew. This vibrant nook captures the soul of Southeast Asian night markets, where the rhythmic sizzle of the grill and rich, umami-packed aromas create a nostalgic haven for those seeking an authentic, handcrafted treat.
• Nutritious Chinese Food — Chinese · rated 5/5: A bright sanctuary of wellness where the gentle steam of bamboo baskets and the vibrant colors of seasonal greens promise a meal that nourishes both body and soul. This inviting space reimagines traditional Chinese flavors through a lens of vitality, crafting balanced plates that celebrate the natural essence of high-quality ingredients in every aromatic, ginger-kissed bite.
• Marwin Thai — Thai · rated 5/5: Marwin Thai invites guests into a lively sanctuary where the sizzle of the wok and the fragrance of toasted spices set the stage for a masterclass in texture and flavor. Golden-hued treasures like flaky Roti Massaman and shatteringly crisp pork belly anchor a menu of hand-crafted bites, from delicate peanut dumplings to savory duck wraps that burst with freshness. It is a vibrant celebration of Thai culinary artistry, where every plate offers a harmonious balance of sweet, savory, and satisfying crunch.
• Super Taste — Chinese · rated 5/5: Steam billows from the open kitchen as the rhythmic thwack of hand-pulled noodles provides a steady heartbeat to this bustling Chinatown sanctuary. Diners huddle over deep bowls of spice-laden broth where tender brisket and springy noodles swim in a pool of vibrant chili oil, complemented by the savory, succulent crunch of perfectly seared dumplings. It is a sensory immersion into the soul of Lanzhou-style comfort, where every bite delivers a bold, warming heat that lingers long after the last drop of soup is gone.
• Maxi's Noodle — Chinese · rated 5/5: Steaming bowls of golden broth and the rhythmic clatter of chopsticks define this vibrant noodle shop, where the air is thick with the savory aroma of slow-simmered stocks and toasted sesame. Silky, oversized wontons burst with fresh shrimp alongside springy egg noodles that offer a perfect snap in every bite, delivering a comforting and authentic taste of Hong Kong soul food. It is a place where the simplicity of a masterfully balanced bowl meets the bustling energy of a neighborhood favorite, inviting diners to lose themselves in the warmth of time-honored flavors.
• Fortune Kitchen — Chinese · rated 5/5: Fortune Kitchen welcomes diners into a vibrant space where the rhythmic sizzle of the wok and the fragrant steam of hand-pleated dumplings promise a soulful, authentic escape. Golden-hued roasted meats and crisp, garden-fresh vegetables are transformed into a symphony of bold flavors and delicate textures, creating a communal dining experience that feels both timeless and celebratory.